This is Trump's 'go to phrase' and how he uses it to avoid answering questions: CNN political editor
President Trump participates in a roundtable discussion in Minnesota. (Screenshot/YouTube)

On Monday, CNN political editor Chris Cillizza detailed President Donald Trump's go-to phrase that he uses to avoid answering questions directly.


Most recently Trump used the phrase in the oval office while answering questions about the United States relationship with Iran, and if the country was on the brink of war or not.

"I'm hearing little stories about Iran," he responded. "If they do anything, they will suffer greatly. We'll see what happens with Iran," Trump said.

Cillizza explained that Trump is known for saying "we'll see what happens."

"Trump's go-to phrase for saying absolutely nothing while simultaneously ruling absolutely nothing out," Cillizza said.

He then listed examples of the times Trump said "we'll see what happens" during interviews.

  • On North Korean missile launch: "We'll see what happens" (May 9, 2019)
  • On sitting down for an interview with Mueller: "We'll see what happens" (January 10, 2018)
  • On the possibility of firing Jeff Sessions as attorney general: "We'll see what happens" (July 25, 2017)
  • On firing Robert Mueller: "We'll see what happens" (April 9, 2018)

Trump has been using the phrase "we'll see what happens" long before he became president. Cillizza went on to explain that it's a part of Trump's philosophy to leave situations open to multiple outcomes.

"This is who Trump has always been. And, as he's shown many times over the past two-plus years, nothing will change him -- not even being elected to the highest office in the country," he said.

Read the full report here.